Ahmedabad Officially Announced As Host Of 2030 Commonwealth Games
In a landmark decision, the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) has officially awarded the hosting rights for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to Ahmedabad, India. The announcement was made today at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow. This marks a significant moment for India, bringing the prestigious multi-sport event back to the country after a gap of two decades, since the 2010 Games in Delhi.
Ahmedabad emerged as the frontrunner after a thorough evaluation process, surpassing the competing bid from Abuja, Nigeria. Commonwealth Sport has expressed its intent to collaborate with Nigeria to strengthen its bid for the 2034 edition of the Games. The decision to award the Games to Ahmedabad was influenced by the city's robust infrastructure, including the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world's largest cricket venue. These facilities are expected to provide a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike.
The 2030 Commonwealth Games hold special significance as they mark the centenary of the event, which was first held in 1930. This edition will be the second time India has hosted the Games and the third time the event has been held in Asia. The Games are expected to feature athletes from 72 nations and territories, primarily former British colonies.
Indian officials have emphasized their commitment to hosting a full-fledged Games, including sports like shooting, wrestling, hockey, kabaddi and kho kho, which were omitted from the Glasgow 2026 program due to budget constraints. The inclusion of these sports is expected to significantly boost India's medal prospects. The initial sports program for Amdavad 2030 includes athletics and para-athletics, swimming and para-swimming, table tennis and para-table tennis, bowls and para bowls, weightlifting and para powerlifting, artistic gymnastics, netball and boxing. The final sports programme is expected to include 15 to 17 sports and will be confirmed in 2026.
Beyond the sporting spectacle, hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games aligns with India's broader ambition to establish itself as a global sporting hub and potentially bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics. Commonwealth Games Federation chief executive officer Katie Sadleir has expressed support for India's Olympic aspirations, viewing the 2030 Games as a stepping stone towards that goal. Ahmedabad has been actively upgrading its sports infrastructure over the past decade and has hosted several international events, including the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships and the Asian Aquatics Championships.
The preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games are already underway, with the Gujarat government playing a key role. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave, scheduled for completion by 2028, will be at the heart of the Games infrastructure. The Games are proposed to be held in October 2030 and are expected to involve approximately 4,500 athletes.
The awarding of the 2030 Commonwealth Games to Ahmedabad has been met with widespread celebration and anticipation in India. It is seen as a significant opportunity to showcase the country's sporting capabilities and further its ambitions on the global stage.
